Realistic vs Stylized question

[area34]

So I've been trying my hand at skinning a Hellfire Guard, did the costume then I got to the face and now I'm stuck. The hellfire guards mask (as drawn by Byrne) have simple black slots for the eyes and mouth. Very much stylized.
example- http://www.joeacevedo.com/images/customzone/customcon/doubledealer2003/hclubsoldier.jpg

Now the realistic artist in me says that I should make the mask where you can see the eyes and mouth but the kid in me who grew up reading those comics wants to do the slots.

My question to all you skinning masters is, what line you do you draw when it comes to costumes that in reality don't work? How do you decide what should be changed and what should be left alone?

[Ares_God_of_War]

I say its personal preferance. Some people want to go realistic and others want to get it down to the detail of the original and some just want their own take on the costume. Really all in all when creating a peice of fan art like this is that, unless you are working on commission, is that you are happy with it. We have a great number of talented individuals who will help you with things such as shading and the like, but when you get down to it the style itself should be your own. Make yourself happy with the results and practice and people will appreciate your work and your vision.

[Cyber Burn]

I say its personal preferance. Some people want to go realistic and others want to get it down to the detail of the original and some just want their own take on the costume. Really all in all when creating a peice of fan art like this is that, unless you are working on commission, is that you are happy with it. We have a great number of talented individuals who will help you with things such as shading and the like, but when you get down to it the style itself should be your own. Make yourself happy with the results and practice and people will appreciate your work and your vision.

Agreed. At the end of the day, anything you skin has to make you happy. But worst case scenario, do both versions and see which you prefer.